Today we’d like to introduce you to Gloriana Hays.
Hi Gloriana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a 22 years old Latina Entrepreneur. Like many, yet somewhat cliche, I endured an arduous upbringing yet wanted nothing more than to excel in life in hopes of an extraordinary one. From a young age, like my amazing mother, I had a do-it all mentality. From playing multiple sports, traveling for national titles, serving as Captain of an elite cheer squad, I really always worked hard to be the best at everything I did. My journey after high school started like most who attended a university away from home, which never really went the way intended. I attended San Jose State for two years and there, I was enrolled as an accounting major and joined a sorority. On that endeavor, I made some life-long friendships that I will always cherish, experienced some outlandish “social activities,” and also discovered that this path was not my passion. I ended up coming home after some time and needless to say, I was embarrassed and felt the disappointment in my family’s eyes. But this feeling of regret and being lost did something life-changing for me.
Somehow, I was able to channel that energy into determination, motivation, drive, and relentless effort to not only find my passion but to execute on it! This passion put me on multiple journeys that led from one to the other, growing each step of the way. My first journey was in fitness. I fell in love with the gym and fitness. I began just training and eating for self-improvement and then I started competing. At the same time, I was a full-time student, babysat and held not one but two part-time jobs; nonetheless, I either won or placed top of all the competitions I entered. This gave me my first glimpse of what success tastes like after extraordinarily hard work! One of my part-time jobs was working at a Juice Bar in a gym where I learned so much about how a business works and how to be a leader of a team. I knew I was destined for something bigger than where I was at but I don’t think I saw or was ready for what came next. I met someone who took a liking in my work ethic.
We met multiple times, got to know each other very well, discussed several topics and opportunities and I was offered a partnership in not only what you know as Lyfestyle 495, but into a world of business and successful people I never imagined. I met several successful business people, I listened, I paid attention, took notes all along the way, google words and phrases that I never heard, performed months of extensive research, had to learn financial terms and concepts that were foreign to me, practice and write business plans, learn how businesses actually work and what they take to be profitable, and so much more. A year and half later, here I am!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely far from smooth! As a young female entrepreneur, I’ve experienced some of my best and worst days. First, opening in a pandemic, you could say we faced every problem possible, but we also knew if we can pull this off during a pandemic then we can pull anything off! We experienced long lead times for materials, construction dates being pushed back, the city planning department and county health department working home while reviewing our plans, and slow permitting and inspection times to name a few. These were all some struggles we faced but still made our journey what it is today and I would never change what I overcame, what I learned about myself, and what I am capable of.
A huge struggle that I face daily is being a young businesswoman and managing and leading individuals in my peer group. It is extremely difficult to maintain relationships that are professional being that we are all nearly the same age, if not, me being younger than some. I’ve learned so much in such a short time on how to manage and lead with a positive professional mindset, with humility and respect, with openness and understanding. I have an amazing team and they teach me something new about myself everyday, Lyfestyle would not be the same without the exceptional individuals who operate and serve our most gracious and amazing customers. Thank you my beloved team!
And last but not least, with success comes detestation. There are many out there who don’t understand how and why I got here, and unfortunately, that lack of understanding turns into negative speculation, accusations, and even attempts of sabotage. Most don’t see what I put into this business, my long days, my long nights…early hours, late hours, impromptu meetings, conference calls, having to resolve business emergencies while on family time, etc. The negative energy is so powerful and overwhelming it makes one question themselves and even doubt their purpose and what they’re doing. I’ve had to learn that people will always have something to say, and regardless you have to believe in yourself, who you are, what you are doing, and why you are doing…in the end, passion for your dream and success overcomes any and all potential negativity that can come your way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lyfestyle 495?
Our name, Lyfestyle, says it all! We live our lives in a very active and healthy manner! Healthy choices, superfoods, and all types of physical activities are what make up our Lyfestyle! Lyfestyle was created out of demand of others wanting to share ours. We offer the best superfood bowls around, simple healthy or custom fitness specific smoothies, and surprisingly refreshing juices. All of our offerings are made fresh and with the finest and purest ingredients. Our offerings are boosted with immunity boosting superfood ingredients…from Acai, Pitaya, Matcha to Elderberry, Black Goji Berry, Blue Spirulina, Chlorella, and Astaxanthin. And if that paragraph looks familiar, you’re right, it’s what we drafted for our company website for the world to see who and what we are. I personally believe we set ourselves apart from other establishments in the same space by offering an unparalleled welcoming yet trendy aesthetic, our organic ingredients, gracious portions, and customer experience! I am most proud of the way our brand is constantly willing to listen and adapt to our customers. As an owner, when I am in the store I am always getting to know what our customers love about coming into the establishment and how we can better their experience or better our product. It truly is a Lyfestyle!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
As cliche as it sounds, I have learned to never give up on your dreams. No matter what the outside world is going through or what type of advice people try to give you, always continue pushing forward. Although opening in a pandemic was probably the scariest decision I personally could have made, I also think it was the best decision of my life. While people had to spend their time inside, we utilized social media to teach individuals and families what we were about and how to live a healthier Lyfestyle! And what a better time to not only teach health but to offer a healthy pathway and Lyfestyle during a pandemic! This is and always will be our mission!
Contact Info:
- Email: gloriana@lyfestyleventures.com
- Website: www.lyfestyle495.com
- Instagram: glohays
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGloGlo22/videos
Image Credits:
@palmplacecreative (bowl and juice photo)
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